Hunt & Live

Grant County, NE

576 residents · 777 sq mi · 0.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
47.6°F
20.8" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.99
Hardiness
Zone 7a
Winter low ~3.6°F

About Grant County

Grant County is a county in the U.S. state of Nebraska. As of the 2020 census, the population was 611, and was estimated to be 573 in 2024, making it the fourth-least populous county in Nebraska and the eleventh-least populous county in the United States. The county seat and the largest village is Hyannis.

94
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #8 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Grant County offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 0.7 people per square mile, allowing for significant space and privacy. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 47.6°F and receives about 20.8 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for crops in USDA zone 7a. The dry sub-humid classification indicates limited water resources, which may challenge self-sufficient living, but the area's remoteness can provide opportunities for sustainable practices away from urban pressures.

This area faces some risks, including wildfire hazards ranked at 62, which suggests a moderate risk for potential fire events. Drought is also a concern, with a rank of 33. The violence percentile is relatively low at 24, indicating a safer environment. However, the limited broadband access (54% subscription rate) could pose challenges for those relying on connectivity for work or communication. Additionally, while housing is affordable with a median home price of $104,200, the economic opportunities may be limited due to the rural setting.

Grant County may be a good fit for individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency and low living costs. Homesteaders who can manage limited water resources and are prepared for potential wildfire risks may thrive here. However, those who require extensive connectivity or are seeking urban amenities may find this area lacking. The main dealbreaker could be the limited water availability, while the low population density and affordable housing may be appealing aspects for others.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Top 5 nationally
Ranks #5 of 3,109 CONUS counties for prepper suitability — top 0%.
#3 in NE
Top 5 counties in Nebraska out of 93.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 62/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 0.7 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 47.6°F annual mean and 20.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $104,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
0
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
1
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
0.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 8
Drought 33
Earthquake 2
Hail 14
Heat Wave 3
Riverine Flood 1
Ice Storm 3
Landslide 23
Lightning 7
Strong Wind 2
Tornado 6
Wildfire 62
Winter Weather 10

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
13.6°F
Heating degree days
6,936
Cooling degree days
627

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$104,200
Median HH income
$65,139
Price to income
1.6×
Property tax rate
0.85%
~$888/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.2
Homeownership
69.8%
Poverty rate
10.8%
Unemployment
1.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
54.1%
No internet access
17.1%

Explore Grant County Further

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Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.